I met with a client this morning for whom I've been developing a strategic marketing plan. We had reached a point in the process where some critical decisions had to be made. As we talked through the options my client commented how grateful he was for the process as it has helped him better define his business. He said it reinforced what was important to him and it made it easier to focus on what mattered.

At that point I joked about not being sure what I wanted to focus on yet. I drew three intersecting circles on a napkin and pointed to the center where they all overlapped and said, "This is where I want to be; doing what I love and what I'm good at." I said it because I find my interests pull me in so many directions it's hard to devote enough time to any one thing and I often wish there was a way to combine them all.

And this is where my client caught me off guard and blessed me. He said something to the effect of, "You're doing that right now aren't you? You've helped me figure out my business, acted pastorally, taught me and been a friend."

I was not thinking that I was working in the center when I drew the circles, but as soon as he said it I realized he was right. I felt almost stupid because it was so obvious and yet I missed it. The consulting work I get to do with business owners draws on all the things I love: strategic development, marketing, philosophy, design, economics, theology and doctrine.

Of course, owning a business means I have to deal with a lot more than consulting. But, my client's comment helped me realize that I did not need to find some new venture to satisfy my desire to focus on what matters most to me. I'm already doing that, just in a way I had not realized.

What about you? Do you feel like you're working in the center? Do you get opportunities to do so, but like me your time is monopolized by other responsibilities? I'd love to know how you deal with this issue and if you've had an "ah ha!" moment, like I did today.